Finding Your Glimmers: A Path to Joy and Resilience
I write to you today, under the light of the Full Snow Moon, to share something that recently sparked joy within me—a feeling I hadn't experienced in quite some time. It reminded me of the power of small moments, the fleeting glimmers of happiness that can illuminate even the most challenging days.
Those who know me, whether personally or through candlelit readings, understand the depth of my feelings. This evening, amidst the everyday hum of life—music playing, a shared meal, a partner's quiet focus—a glimmer appeared. Despite a day tinged with imposter syndrome and self-doubt, this small moment shifted my perspective.
What is a Glimmer, Anyway?
"Glimmer" evokes images of light, but it's more than that. It's a small, simple moment of pleasure in the everyday. For me, it's a chance to truly feel joy, contentment, bliss, serenity. It's those fleeting instances when our biology senses connection and regulation, signaling safety and calm to our nervous system. It's a moment when worry fades.
Why Glimmers Matter (Especially Now)
In these times of turmoil and overwhelm, experiencing joy, even in the smallest way, can be an act of resistance. Glimmers offer respite from the constant barrage of unsettling news. They enhance our intuition, deepen our connection to our souls, and provide rich material for creative expression—poems, lyrics, stories, character studies, or even a simple moment to share with someone we love. And they build resilience, not just the ability to handle tough emotions, but the capacity to experience the good ones.
Glimmers in the Wild
Glimmers can be found anywhere—in nature (admiring the stars), at the grocery store, in a shared moment with another. They are fleeting moments of pure presence: a stranger's warm smile, your pet's spontaneous cuddle, your favorite song on the radio. Even believing in magic for a single second is a powerful glimmer.
Glimmers in the Cards (and Beyond)
I find countless glimmers in tarot readings. It's one of the reasons I love this work. The cards reveal the invisible threads that weave together a life—the joys, the sorrows, the hopes, the fears. They tell a human and beautiful story. When I share what I see in a reading, I'm often sharing the glimmers I find in your life. Even amidst stories of pain or confusion, I look for the way through, the glimmers of hope and resilience. It's more than just "gassing you up"—it's sharing the light I see in you. 11:11 is a glimmer, a little wink from the universe.
Catching Glimmers (Not Chasing Them)
I'm not sure we can consciously seek glimmers. They're a bit mysterious that way. But we can set the intention to notice them, to be open to their presence. Observation and embodiment—truly noticing how we feel—are key. Setting the intention each morning, even speaking it aloud, can help. Connect to your breath, inhale the moment, notice what you see. After a glimmer passes, try writing it down or recording a voice memo—capture the feeling.
A Word of Caution (No Bypassing Allowed)
Let me be clear: I do not subscribe to emotional bypassing, spiritual bypassing, or toxic positivity. Pain is not a punishment. I believe in feeling the feels, in acknowledging when something truly sucks. If you're grieving, grieve. I won't rush the process. But if a glimmer appears, hold onto it. It might be a guide through the darkness.
The Journey Continues
Deb Dana's research suggests that once we start noticing glimmers, we naturally seek more. But it's important to allow them to appear, not to force them or search for a "silver lining" before fully experiencing the present moment. So, I encourage you to reflect on your last glimmer, to find it, expand it.
4 Practices for Cultivating Glimmers
1. Setting Intentions to Notice Glimmers
While we can't make glimmers appear, we can set an intention to notice them when they do. These intentions are about tuning ourselves to the frequency of joy:
"I am noticing a glimmer each and every day."
"I am listening to my body, letting it guide me to glimmers."
"I am present to the glimmers as they unfold."
"I am fully experiencing the glimmers that appear."
Feel free to use these intentions or create your own. The key is to craft intentions that support you in noticing and tuning into glimmers as they occur.
2. Feeling into the Glimmer
Noticing a glimmer is a beautiful first step, but there's even more magic to explore. When you recognize a glimmer, you can expand the feeling, savoring this moment of joy, bliss, serenity, or whatever it may be.
Tune into your senses: What sensory experiences are present? What do you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch?
As you notice the glimmer, connect with your body and breath. Slow your breathing. Feel your feet on the ground. Where are you in this moment?
3. Sharing a Glimmer
Choose a friend you love, someone you feel deeply connected to, someone who might also appreciate the concept of glimmers. Text or call them. Ask if they know what a glimmer is. Explain it in your own words, and then ask them if they've experienced any recently. Sharing a glimmer can amplify the joy and create a deeper connection.
4. Memorializing the Glimmer
Glimmers are rich sources of inspiration for art, poetry, lyrics, and stories. They might evoke cherished childhood memories or beautiful moments from your life. Perhaps they've even shifted your perspective on the world. We all have creative skills—dancing, singing, storytelling, writing are all inherently human. Try using an artistic medium to express what you saw, felt, heard, smelled, tasted, or experienced during the glimmer. Capture it on the page, the canvas, or in a melody. Let art and creativity reflect the beauty of the world.
If you're familiar with Mary Oliver's work, you'll see how much of her poetry is dedicated to sharing her glimmers, particularly those found in nature. An essential skill to cultivate is what I call "glimmer-vision." The more we notice and experience glimmers, the easier they become to find. It's about connecting with your senses, your soul, and the present moment.
I wish you all the best on your glimmering adventures.
If you find one you wish to share, send me a note about it at founder@mysticspectrum.com. I would love to hear about it.
